PUBG Mobile has released a collaboration with Naruto Shippuden featuring a new animated short and a themed in-game update [1, 2].

This partnership marks a significant return for the anime franchise, as it provides fans with original animation from Studio Pierrot for the first time in nearly a decade. By integrating a popular battle royale game with a legacy anime title, the collaboration targets a broad demographic of both gamers and long-term anime viewers.

The collaboration officially went live on July 9, 2024 [1, 3]. This launch coincided with the release of Version 4.5 of PUBG Mobile [2, 4], which is available to players globally. The update introduces several themed elements to the game environment, including Naruto-inspired outfits, a customized lobby background, and specific music tracks [1, 2].

Beyond the digital items, the event serves as a celebration of the 25th anniversary of Naruto Shippuden [5]. As part of this milestone, the collaboration includes an official animation video produced by Studio Pierrot [1, 2].

This animated short is the first of its kind for the series in nine years [5]. Some reports describe the gap as almost 10 years [6], reflecting the long period of dormancy for new Naruto Shippuden shorts prior to this release. The project brings together Krafton's mobile gaming infrastructure and the original creative vision of Studio Pierrot to revitalize interest in the franchise through a modern medium.

“The update introduces the first new Naruto Shippuden anime short in nine years”

This collaboration demonstrates a growing trend of 'transmedia' marketing where legacy anime IPs are revived through gaming partnerships rather than traditional television seasons. By tying the first new animation in nearly a decade to a Version 4.5 update, the creators are leveraging the massive active user base of PUBG Mobile to ensure a global reach for the Naruto Shippuden 25th anniversary celebration.